Antigua & St Barths
by Susie Howard
"Life's a beach and then you dine"
... a sign on the beach summed up my visit to the Caribbean. On the islands of Antigua & St Barths I experienced idyllic beaches and mouth-watering cuisine.
Set on one of Antigua's most stunning beaches is the fabulously contemporary Carlisle Bay. Enjoying a backdrop of rolling hills and lush tropical rainforest this all-suite, all ocean-view hotel was the highlight ‘East' restaurant specialises in Asian food, ‘Indigo' on the beach offers grills, seafood and salads - and breathtaking ocean views. Active guests can enjoy the pool, gym, tennis, yoga, pilates and a variety of complimentary non-motorised watersports. A luxurious library and cinema caters for adults and children alike and the impressive children's club is sure to satisfy even the most demanding youngsters. Carlisle Bay certainly had the ‘wow factor' and ticked all the right boxes for me!
We then flew on to St Barths to sample what must surely rank as the chicest spot in the entire West Indies. Bursting with Gallic charm and beautiful people, the international Jetset come here for the fine dining, hidden bays and white sand beaches. We were taken to the famous Eden Rock Hotel favoured by Greta Garbo when she wanted "to be alone". I loved the close proximity of this quirky and individually styled property to the village of St Jean (a 5 minute walk), which enables you to sample the sophisticated boutiques and restaurants. Relais & Chateaux excellence is evident in the two hotel restaurants, I particularly enjoyed the 5 course gourmet lunch, barefoot in the Sand Bar, listening to the gentle sound of the ocean in front of cooled by the soft water jets above us - this has now been placed in my now extended list of favourites.
If you want to know more about some of the wonderful options here I would be delighted to tell you more.